E2TG 2/11/2021 - Figuring it All Out - True True Love Mix (Bing Bang Boom Remix)

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 Life is overwhelming - maybe it always is... and yes, sometimes you need planning and coordination, but for people like me it is a fine line between planning and coordination and obsessing and worrying. Sometimes, you just have to make it up as you go along and trust in something - God, the cosmos, fate? that things will all come together and even if they don't come together - you will still have a chance to figure it all out. 

Featured Friday Playlist (songs 32-38)

32. "Saw Daddy" by Common Sage

First up today, we have a wonderful track from Might As Well Eat The Chicken, We Won't Be Here In The Morning - the brand new EP from New York band Common Sage. The album comes out a period of transition for the band which preceded and coincided with the pandemic. 

33. "Girls Just Want to Dance" by Modesty Blaise

Next up, we have the lead single from the forthcoming new album from this UK Avant-pop band. Really great stuff. 

34. "Talk to Me" by Emperor Penguin; Orbis Max

This new release - Corporation Pop! - contains all three of the band's earlier EPs plus four new tracks. It serves as a great introduction to this London based band. They have a wonderful sound - check it out.

35. "Kill" by All Hallowed

Next up, we have the stunning debut single from this Dayton, Ohio based band. It is described as dance punk - and that comes through in the grooves and the power of the relatively short track. 

36. "Screaming Into Oblivion" by Sharone

Next up, we have the latest from Denver based dark rock artist Sharone.  Cool tune. 

37. "Sunshine" by Jacob the Horse

Next, we have the first single in four years by the band that formed in L.A. and which features all east coast natives. Really cool pop punk sound. 

38. "Judgement" by Genus Ordinis Dei 

As always, I save one of our more interesting tracks to close out the Playlist for the week. This is - I believe - our second time featuring this symphonic death metal band from Italy. The album Glare of Deliverance was released in December, and is a concept album of a sort - each song stands alone and the band is releasing videos for each songs as "episodes". This is Episode six.  Check out the band to see the videos. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/23/2020 - Eve Eve - Grateful for Christmas Mix (Be it Heaven or Hell Remix)

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Our last post before Christmas.  I hope no matter what or how you celebrate (or don't) that they coming days, weeks, months, and year are filled with better days, new opportunities, love, joy, and peace. 

Our Featured Friday Recap moves along with songs 33-40:

33. "Methadone Guy" by Hadnot Creek

First up, we have the opening track from Hard World by this Charlottesville based folk-rock band.  Wonderful song. 

34. "I Won't Change My Mind" by Remington Super 60

Next up, we have the return of this Norwegian band to the Playlist with their latest single. 

35. "Drifter" by Jessye DeSilva

Next up, we have the new single from this Boston-based singer-songwriter. As the writer of a novel called The Drift - this song title caught my attention, but the song itself kept it.  This is a wonderful song by a new-to-me artist that I look forward to finding out more about. 

36. "Rule #13 - Waterfall" by Fish in a Birdcage

Fish in a Birdcage is Dustan Townsend a young musical virtuoso originally from Red Deer, Alberta and currently in the midst of a two-year long busking adventure through Europe (currently in Spain). The name of his third album is Waterfall and this is the lead and title track. 

37. "Harmless" by Phriendly Phoes

Next up, we have the title track from the debut album by this psychedelic funk/hip-hop duo from Lewiston, New York. Really cool stuff.

38. "2 AM (Let's Do It)" by J'seann

Next up, we have a track from an up and coming rapper from Chicago.  This was a direct artist submission that caught my attention. Check it out. 

39. "Under the Skin" by Seven Red Lions

Next up, some indie rock from London. This latest single was inspired by the pre-Hispanic cultures of South America. 

40. "I Like You" by Hook

We close out this segment of music with the latest single from the new wave/indie band from Dublin, Ireland. The band formed in 2019 and released their debut album in March of 2020.  A nice way to close things out.

We are going to take a holiday break and regroup on Monday with the continuation of this extended Playlist as we head into the new year. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/21/2020 - Featured Friday - Lizard Brain Mix (Holding On Remix)

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As predicted, this week's playlist is over 2 hours and contains 38 new and recent songs from across the musical spectrum and from all around the world. The first eight songs are highlighted below.  We will highlight the rest of the Playlist over the next week in this space. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/21/2020 - Recent Live Shows - Wasted Saturdays Mix (Lavender Child Remix)

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To be honest, every since we got the news Saturday night about David Olney, that has been the most on my mind. I did want to check in about a couple of live music shows that I caught over the weekend.

Friday night, I caught another Tim Carroll Rock N Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot. He does this every Friday from 6-8:30 (with no breaks) and done so for several years. I was trying to remember the last Friday he missed, and I had to go back to somewhere around 2014. The remarkable thing is that the show is all originals (I think "Uncle John" which he does sometimes is a traditional song), and every show is different.  Friday's show featured several of what I consider "classic" Tim Carroll songs plus some new ones. It is all good, all loud, and a great way to spend a Friday evening.

Saturday, I headed back to The 5 Spot for another rock and roll show. This one featured Hannah Fairlight Group, Nashville Non Prophets, and The Truehearts.  Hannah Fairlight Group rocked hard. Nashville Non Prophets featuring Mitch Laney came out with a high energy assault and never let up. The Truehearts remain a favorite of mine. They rock, but in a more subtle way and together it was a great show.

I posted my review of Sunshine Boys opening for Juliana Hatfield at Basement East.

Sunday Night was the CD Release Show for John Dennis' Mortal Flames. I referenced that show in my piece on David Olney yesterday.  To expound, just a little because I am short on time.  John Dennis'  Mortal Flames is a concept album about Life and Death and everything in between. It is a bit about our immortality being tied to the light we leave with others. It is heavy at time, but it is ultimately a life affirming work, and I suspect it will be among my favorites of 2020 when the year is said and done.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Late Devonian Mix (Magic Bus Remix)

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    *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

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Let's get WILD with a Wild Wednesday shuffle - a shuffle of all the music I have saved to my phone's memory card.  It amounts to over 3,000 songs - I think.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Nocturnal Emissions from the 29th Century Mix (Velvet Fog Remix)

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  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.



Got those rainy day, mid-week, stayed out too late blues...   But, not really blues, but it is mid-week and rainy, and I did stay out too late...   Another fine edition of $2 Tuesday - great hangs, cool music, and $2 Yazoos for $2 admission.  Jack Silverman was dazzling with his jazzy, improvisational guitar sounds as he opened the night of music, Kristen Englenz made her $2 Tuesday debut to close out the night - with a killer band. In between was host Derek Hoke and Cara Louise from St. Louis. Plus DJ Tim Hibbs spinning Halloween themed songs.

Onward, it is Wednesday and that is day, we get wild and just throw open the shuffle to whatever songs are on my phone. Let's go!

E2TG 2018 Artists and Bands of the Year (Final 2018 Post)

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Here's a little truth for you: periodically, I have moments of doubt about continuing to do E2TG.  It usually gets worse toward the end of the year. Truth is, E2TG takes up a fair amount of my time, and I time is often in limited supply. So, when money gets tight or time gets tight or mercury is in retrograde or whatever, I find myself thinking, maybe now is the time to call it quits.

Then comes December and for the last three years the Earie Awards. To me it was just a silly idea and a way to recap the year, but I have found it means something to many of the recipients. and the responses I have gotten have been very affirming of what I do.

About the money thing: about four years ago, I took a look at if it would be possible to make E2TG a money-making endeavor. I came to the conclusion that I could not do it and have E2TG be what I want it to be.  This is not say that anyone doing what I do who makes money is doing something wrong. Some of my decision was based on my situation.  Anyway, the advantage about it not being about money means I can truly do what I want to do. Which is help bring attention to great music - much of which may fly under the radar.

Since 2014, there has been more of a local Nashville connection, but I have made a point of also featuring music from all over the world.  The fact is, there is likely enough music here in Nashville to sustain a blog, but to me, putting such a limitation would be constricting.

Prior to 2014, to be honest, I was not at all connected to the Nashville music community, and E2TG reflected that as the majority of my posts were about non-Nashville bands.

Which brings us to the Artists and Bands of the Year award - or like I have dubbed them - the Golden Earies.

Some history (skip if you know about the history of E2TG Band/Artist of the Year):

When  E2TG began in May 2011, I had to go out find bands to write about. I would pick one band every week to write about as our "Band of the Week". When the end of 2011 came, I had a list of 30 something Bands of the Week. I got this silly idea to run a "Readers Poll" to select a Band of the Year. It was silly because I honestly didn't have many "Readers" to poll.  So, I ran the poll, and people responded. My page views shot up, it was a tight race, but the poll software I used was pretty wide open and there was some definitely ballot stuffing. Anyway, a band from UK The Mobbs were the winner. 

The Band of the Year as so much fun, I got a better program for running a poll, and I started the Band of the Month poll - this ran for about a year. At the end of 2012, all 12 Bands of the Month plus some Wildcards competed for the Band of the Year.  A great Upstate New York band called Skeletons in the Piano won that award.  By early 2013, I was burned out on the polls. Basically, I didn't want bands expending energy trying to get fans to vote in a silly poll. So, I stopped the polls. For a while, I had Featured Artists every month.  And at the end of 2013, I named then Brooklyn band, The End Men as Band of the Year.

2014 was a year of upheaval in my life and a transition for E2TG. At the end of that year, there was no question that Darrin Bradbury would be Artist of the Year.  It was equally obvious in 2015 that Jon Latham was the choice for Artist of the Year. 

 E2TG continued to grow and expands. 2016 came and I simply could not select one Band or Artist. So, I decided to name 3 - Band of the Year and Artists of the Year - divided between Nashville and non-Nashville.  Brian Wright and Jason P. Krug were named Artists of the Year (Nashville and non-Nashville respectively). Valued Customer from Toronto won Band of the Year. d

Last year, I expanded the award again to 4 (Bands and Artists of the Year - Nashville and non):  Rayvon Pettis and Ladies Gun Club won for Nashville Artist and Band, and Ugggy (of Valued Customer) and The Foresters (won for non-Nashville).  

End of history lesson:

Which brings to the present (or recent past). 2018 was a year of unprecedented growth for E2TG in terms of the number of artists and bands we featured.  In keeping with our new tradition, for the second year in a row, we have four awards (in the categories explained above and below). There is not one factor that leads me to this decision - rather it is a combination of things.

So, without any more ado - here are the 2018 Golden Earie Awards:

2018 E2TG Earie Awards - # 11 - Recap November 2018

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The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)


Playing catch-up. Here is the final Shuffle of 2018. This was the music I listened to on December 21. It is a recap of the music featured on E2TG in November 2018.

Coming soon: Some wrap-up comments, a few extra Earie Awards, and the 2018 Bands and Artists of the Year. Wednesday, we begin 2019 with our first shuffle of the new year.

Featured Friday Morning - Human Clay Mix

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For your holiday shopping: The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available


Well, here we are at the last day of November. We about to enter the final month of 2018.  As a friend likes to point out, the calendar year is arbitrary and has been/is different era to era, culture to culture. Regardless, it is as good a time as any to take stock.  What's working, what's not, what could be better, and where to set sights for the year ahead.  I'll be focusing on all that in December, all while continuing to bring new music to light and to reflect on the great music of 2018.

I am working on making a decision about the E2TG Artists and Bands of the Year.  As in the last two years, my thought is to have two winners in each category.  Band and Artist of the Year Nashville and Band and Artist of the Year (Non-Nashville).  Truthfully, every time I think I've settled on a list, I remember another artist who is kicking butt. It's not going to be an easy decision, but do know - everyone I write about is a winner in my book. Plus, despite rumors to the contrary, E2TG awards to not include a cash prize or anything like that.

We have a pretty nifty shuffle of songs to close out the month. Let's get to it!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Laugh Until I Fart Mix

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For your holiday shopping: The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

We are nearing the end of the week, the end of November, and really, the end of the year. Regular readers will know that E2TG spends a good portion of December handing out our anuual "Earie Awards". I feel a little overwhelmed this year - first of all because the end of this year really sneaked up on me, and second because we have featured more new music this year than ever before. But, I have a plan in mind - so stay tuned. I am also thinking ahead to some possible big changes for the new year to come.

Meanwhile, it is Thursday and time to see what is trending for today at E2TG. Let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Primitiv Mix

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The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed nine - January - September 2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

JUST ADDED!  August and September 2018 Playlists!

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (NEW!)
E2TG September 2018  (NEW!)
E2TG October 2018  (Coming Soon!)

WXNA thanks you  — our generous listeners — for helping us not only meet but exceed our fundraising goal for our fall pledge drive. Your support will help make sure this station continues to grow and thrive. We are so grateful that you are the people in people-powered radio.


Day 2 of my 3 day work week....   I went out last night for Madison Guild Monday at Dee's.  Mark Robinson, Grace Adele, Davis Raines, Megan Palmer with Bob Lewis, Conrad y Skordalia, and Maynard and the Musties all played excellent sets. Lots of cool folks in attendance. All in all a fun night.

It's Tuesday - so let's see what is trending at E2TG this fine mid-November day...

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Día de los Inocentes Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)

Words No Music A Reading coming Thursday, November 15, 2018 6:30pm Radio Cafe Nashville. No Cover, tips accepted and books will be for sale. We have an incredible line-up featuring David Olney,  Rod Picott, Luke Powers, Rebecca Weiner Tompkins, and yours truly. All but me are incredible musicians and songwriters, but for this show - they will let their words speak for them without music.  I will be reading from The Drift plus some selections from a forthcoming book.   FACEBOOK EVENT HERE!

I am short on time so, we will get right to the Trending Thursday shuffle!  Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Wild Women Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  Thursday, November 15, 2018 - We have a pretty cool event in the works.  More to come! I can tell you this isn't really an E2TG event.  It is connected to my novel, The Drift, and we have some super cool guests lined up.  Announcement soon!


This week, many are learning (hopefully) that rhetoric has consequences and that elections matter.  VOTE if you are tired of so-called leaders who incite violence through their words.

I took an unexpected day off yesterday - so no Wild Wednesday shuffle. I listened to some tunes but didn't get around to posting anything.

So, it's back to the "New Music Playlist" with a couple of first listens and some recent favorites. Let's go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Totally Lonely Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)


Well, it is Friday! The end of another week of shuffles. I spent last night from six to after eleven, at The 5 Spot being reminded of what a great town this is for live music.  Started with the always awesome Jon Byrd filling in for Chuck Mead - and playing with Chuck's band, The Grassy Knoll Boys. Chuck Mead was doing stuff for the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, and he showed up in time to do one or two songs. 

The late show started with Zach Schmidt with Jackie Berkley and a great band that included the rhythm section from Buck N Stuff (Cameron Carrus and Lemuel Hayes). Finishing the night was Nick Dittmeier and the Sawdusters. I can't believe it has taken me this long to see Nick and his band, but I'm sure glad I was there last night.

Let's jump right into the shuffle for this Friday. 

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Elusive Waltz Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)


Some thoughts:  At a certain point, you realize that things will not/cannot ever go back to the way things used to be. This is true in our individual lives and as a society. It is an existential truth, but often a slow, gradual realization.  There are many reasons that this is always, ultimately the truth. One being that often things never really were the "way they used to be".  Our perception of the past is clouded by nostalgia and selective memory and other filters that obscure. On a national or societal scale, what I am saying may be seen as a criticism of conservatism or an argument for progressive philosophies. And, I am fine with that, but my thoughts today are more on a personal nature. Remembering what ones childhood was like or even what the music scene in Nashville was like twenty, ten, five, or even two years ago.

Since this is a music blog, I will stick with the last example for now. Looking at Nashville's music scenes/communities, my perspective is unique. Nashville has seen incredible changes over even the last four years - since this current phase of my life began. What is difficult for me is determining where it is that the scene has changed (and I use scene in a neutral sense not - as some use it - in a derogatory sense) and how it is that I have changed or my perspective has changed. My perception is that there are more shows and more venues for the types of music I like to go see. My perception is that two years ago, when I went to see friends play music, other music friends were often hanging around more than happens now, and conflicting shows were rarer. But is that perception accurate, or is it that I know more people and thus have more conflicts or is it that my core group of friends are busier and more scattered. 

The bottom line is that it is a waste of my energy to try to recreate or recapture the feel of the scene of four years ago from my perspective. My time and energy are better spent finding my place in the present and experiencing it to the fullest extent possible.

Just some thoughts on a dreary Tuesday in early October - as the world spins on - oblivious to the chaos in the world and in my own heart and mind....

It's Tuesday - the day we dig into the "New Music" playlist and see what the shuffle brings up to tell us what is "trending" as of today.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Hiding In Time Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


I was trying to write my thoughts about yesterday, but I was having trouble verbalizing...

I believe women (and men) who say they were sexually assaulted. Do false accusations happen? Absolutely. Do those false accusations cause me to disbelieve the next victim who comes forward? Absolutely not. Should someone be convicted and jailed based solely on the word of a victim. Of course not.  Should the matter be investigated? Absolutely.

Should someone be handed a lifetime appointment with accusations hanging over them without an investigation? Absolutely not.

The most disturbing thing of all is seeing the fundamental lack of basic humanity on display in Congress and in my Facebook feed. It is one thing to support the nomination and entirely another to shame and attack the woman who made the accusation. Those who support the nominee and believe him to be innocent should be the ones screaming the loudest for an investigation - but they are not.

Bottom line, the behavior of the nominee in yesterday's hearing should be disqualifying regardless of the veracity of the claims against him. 

And the other thing... I am a huge proponent of laughter and humor as an antidote for stressful times, and I have had some humorous thoughts pop into my head over this current stress. But, I have chosen not to post these jokes - even jokes I think of as harmless or with no bad intention. For the record, "spin the bottle" and writing notes to ask a classmate if they like you or not - have nothing at all to do with sexual assault or rape. NOTHING.

Bottom line, to anyone reading this who has been a victim of sexual abuse or rape, I stand with you. I hear you. I believe you.

Okay - I still believe music heals so let's get to the music.....